Crisis Stabilization Unit Practitioner

Position Overview

Reporting to the Manager Health Services, the Crisis Stabilization Unit Practitioner is responsible for admissions, assessments, and development of treatment plans for individuals admitted to the Crisis Stabilization Unit in psychosocial or mental health crisis. The incumbent is responsible for crisis intervention, resolution of crisis, including formulation of discharge planning and documentation.

The incumbent works directly with clients, their families and caregivers and provides psychological education, acts as a role model and clinical resource and aids clients with their mental health recovery goals.

The incumbent exercises the appropriate level of initiative and independent judgment in determining work priorities, work methods to be employed and action to be taken on unusual matters. The position functions in a manner that is consistent with the mission, vision and values; and the policies of Southern Health-Santé Sud.

Experience

• Experience working in the addictions, crisis and/or community mental health field.
• Experience and ability to complete mental health assessments including suicidality and crisis intervention.

Education (Degree/Diploma/Certificate)

• Graduate of an accredited post-secondary education in Health-Related Social Sciences (e.g. BSW, BScMH, BScPN, BN, RPN) with a minimum of two (2) years supervised counseling experience.
• Certificate in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention.
• Certificate in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills (ASIST).
• Food Handler Certificate.

Certification/Licensure/Registration

• Active license and registration to practice as required by professional association and provincial legislation.

Qualifications and Skills

• Knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the mental health system including acute in- patient, psychosocial rehabilitation and community mental health.
• Knowledge of mental health self-help organizations: co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders; and consumer and family engagement principles.
• Knowledge of the Mental Health Act, Vulnerable Person’s Act, Child and Family Services Act, Protection of Person’s in Care Act, Personal Health Information Act.
• Knowledge of evidenced-based therapeutic counseling models and approaches.
• Knowledge of mental health issues, including signs and symptoms of mental illness.
• Knowledge of cultural diversity and practices of the population to be served.
• Knowledge of available resources for treatment and follow up for mental health crisis situations.
• Knowledge of commonly used psychotropic medications.
• Proficiency with MS Office suite of programs.
• Demonstrated effective oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated self-awareness as a Clinician and the impact of self within the therapeutic relationship.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Given the cultural diversity of our region, the ability to respect and promote a culturally diverse population is required.
• Proficiency of both official languages is essential for target and designated bilingual positions.
• Demonstrated ability to respect confidentiality including paper, electronic formats and other mediums.
• Good work and attendance record.
• Requires a valid Class 5 driver’s license, an all-purpose insured vehicle and liability insurance of at least $1,000,000.00.

Physical Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to meet the physical and mental demands of the job.
• May provide service to clients exhibiting challenging behaviors.
• No hazardous or significantly unpleasant conditions.
• May work occasional days, evenings and weekends as necessary.
• Will be required to travel to other regional facilities as the position duties as necessary.
• Will make decisions within the parameters of the program as assigned and according to safety procedures.